SWO Joseph handing over the ceremonial pacestick to SWO Tang, symbolising the handing over of appointment.

An exchange of memento, to usher in the new and outgoing SMA

SWO Joseph Koa giving his farewell speech as he moves on to become SAF SM

In a Change of Appointment Parade on 27 April 2011, SWO Tang Peck Oon was appointed Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA). He assumed this appointment from his predecessor, SWO Joseph Koa, who succeeded the role of SAF SM (Sergeant Major). Both parades were held consecutively at the SISPEC Auditorium at Pasir Laba Camp. Chief of Defence Force, LG Neo Kian Hong, and Chief of Army, BG Ravinder Singh, were the respective witnessing officers for SAF SM and SMA's Change of Appointment Parades, which were also attended by other senior SAF and Army leadership.

Previously SM of 9 Division/Infantry, SWO Tang has enjoyed a career filled with many opportunities, including the chance to participate in the US Sergeant Major Course in 1994. As he stepped into his new role, he said, "I am truly honoured to be given this opportunity to be SMA. As mentioned by SWO Joseph, we will work together to further develop and realise our most valuable asset - our Warrant Officers, Specialists and Military Experts. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to SWO Koa for his instrumental leadership in spearheading the 4 Key Thrusts. It is my intention to continue with this and as leaders, we must have a strong sense of ownership and accountability for our actions. We lead by example, we inspire through dedication. This is our call as WOSPECS."

Before being appointed as SMA, SWO Koa formerly served for two years as SM of 9 Division/ Infantry. SWO Koa was instrumental in establishing the Urban Operations (UO) Community of Practice as he led them to explore the challenging UO environment. SWO Koa has also served his previous experience as Sergeant Major of Intelligence, now renamed as Military Intelligence Organisation in 2003. As the new SAF SM, he succeeds SWO Jeffrey Chung who is retiring from SAF after 34 years of service.